South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: January 22-25

South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: January 22-25
Photo via Mavrothi Kontanis who plays the Oud Summit tonight at Barbes
Photo via Mavrothi Kontanis, who plays the Oud Summit tonight at Barbes

Looking for something to do this weekend? With everything from a performance by masters of a Middle Eastern lute to a bunny fundraiser, from Chuck Norris to a musical about peasants, you won’t have to go far for fun. Here are some of our favorite events coming up around the neighborhood:

Oud Summit
When: Thursday, January 22, 9pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street
What: A pretty cool chance to check out four oud — the Middle-Eastern lute — players, who have all “developed a unique take on one of the oldest stringed instruments in the world.”
How Much: $10 strongly suggested donation.

Babies & Books
When: Friday, January 23, 11am
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue
What: Stories, songs, and play for babies and caregivers.
How much: Free, but tickets required — they’ll be available at the reference desk one hour prior to the program.

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, January 23, 12pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Shape up your core with a free cardio class in Prospect Park that will combine strength, balance, and toning exercises. No reservation is required, but it is recommended that you bring a workout mat.
How much: Free.

“One Beer, One Burger, One Bourbon” Anniversary Challenge
When: Friday, January 23 through Sunday, January 25
Where: The Dram Shop, 339 9th Street
What: To celebrate its seventh anniversary, the local bar invites neighbors to try to take down a bunch of food and drink in record time. Beat the clock, get the food free, plus a t-shirt!
How Much: No cover.

Beer For Bunnies
When: Saturday, January 24, 6-9pm
Where: The Monro Pub, 481 5th Avenue
What: A fundraiser to help the all-volunteer, nonprofit Rabbit Rescue and Rehab, the New York City chapter of House Rabbit Society, which rescues abandoned rabbits and finds them homes for them, among other things. Bring some money, an open heart, and empty belly! They’ll have discounted drinks, vegan goodies for sale, and raffles.
How Much: No cover.

Nature Playtime: Zoo
When: Sunday, January 25, 10:30am-12:30pm
Where: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue
What: The Prospect Park Alliance, Prospect Park Zoo, and Tinkergarten are teaming up (with a little help from the Disney Conservation Fund) to bring families creative play opportunities in the park’s natural areas. Every Sunday through April, those visiting the Prospect Park Zoo will be able to take part in Nature Playtime! in the native plant garden. Look for nature-inspired art, insect observation, playing with snow, scavenger hunts, and more. Want to try some Nature Playtime activities on your own? Download a free activity card here. A new card will be added to the website each month through April.
How much: Free with zoo admission.

Figure 8 Play Date With Digit From Cyberchase
When: Sunday, January 25, 2-4pm
Where: Lakeside, Prospect Park
What: This series from WNET Kids Club THIRTEEN lets families join PBS characters — this week, Digit the cybird from Cyberchase — for some loops around the skating rink, as well as character-themed activities and arts and crafts.
How much: Skating admission is $8, skate rentals are $6; Kids Club members get free admission and $1 off skating rental.

Obsolete Cinema Presents: Chuck Norris Winter Action Slam!
When: Sunday, January 25, 4pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue
What: Nothing will warm you up better this weekend than a “a two-fisted, double-barreled double feature that’ll leave you crying for America.” Yes that’s right, it’s four hours of Chuck Norris! Check out The Delta Force and Missing in Action, and just try not to have a great time.
How much: Free.

Plagued, Presented By Overtures
When: Sunday, January 25 & Monday, January 26 at 7pm
Where: The Gallery Players, 199 14th Street
What: The preposterous, impossible dream of a 14th century peasant for a better life, sung to a score whose styles evolve as the characters change, from classical to pop, from folk to rock, from jazz to funk to heavy metal, and beyond.
How Much: $10, tickets available in advance.